#SafeStampede is back to spur conversation on consent – and inspire our launch of #CalgaryGetsConsent

July 5, 2017

New project #CalgaryGetsConsent to continue momentum beyond 10 days of #SafeStampede

The 2017 Calgary Stampede will mark the third year of the successful #SafeStampede movement which encourages a safe and respectful Stampede for everyone. Along with local advocates and supporters, the Calgary Sexual Health Centre (CSHC) hosted a media event today to kick off the 2017 #SafeStampede campaign – and to announce a new year-long project inspired by its success. The organization’s new #CalgaryGetsConsent project will aim to continue the #SafeStampede conversations around consent during the 10 days of Stampede and beyond.

The hashtag #SafeStampede was started in 2015 by a group of local Calgarians to encourage respectful behaviour and to spark conversations about sexual harassment. The community members connected with CSHC, and the organization jumped on board with support on social media and by creating the campaign website at www.SafeStampede.ca. “We see #SafeStampede as a forum to raise conversations about consent. It’s an important opportunity to provide education about negative behaviours during Stampede, and also to celebrate positive and respectful behavior,” said Pam Krause, CEO of the CSHC.

The campaign caught attention and support from many in Calgary, including the Calgary Stampede itself who has joined the #SafeStampede conversation on social media since it began in 2015.

“The Calgary Stampede is pleased to continue our support of #Safestampede. We want all of our guests to feel safe and enjoy the community celebration, while treating each other with dignity and respect,” said Larry Lalonde, group manager, Community Engagement & Communications, Calgary Stampede at the 2017 media launch. “We encourage the see something, say something approach. Let’s all play a part in keeping our celebrations safe.”

Last year also saw the Honourable Stephanie McLean, Minister of the Alberta Status of Women, lend support to the initiative by attending the 2016 media launch. This year, Minister McLean returned to help kick off the 2017 #SafeStampede movement as well as announce funding support for the #CalgaryGetsConsent project which will continue the conversation throughout the year.

Spurred on by the success of #SafeStampede, the CSHC has partnered with several local groups to launch the #CalgaryGetsConsent campaign.

“Building on the success that we’ve had with the Calgary Stampede and the community with #SafeStampede, we recently launched a year-long project called #CalgaryGetsConsent,” explained Krause. “Along with our project partners, over the next year we will be providing opportunities for conversation and awareness, as well as providing free training workshops for night clubs, organizations, venues and festivals.”

The #CalgaryGetsConsent project team at CSHC has already had several local night clubs and music festivals like Sled Island take part in various training workshops for their staff on subjects such as “Bystander Interventions” and “Providing Safer Establishments”. In recent weeks, the team has been training Calgary Stampede staff for their Nashville North venue and other staff on the grounds. The group would like to see that trend continue with other venues during Stampede, as well as other clubs and festivals throughout the year.

“Our #CalgaryGetsConsent crew is ready to help our city broaden our conversations around consent, boundaries, and healthy relationships over the next year,” Krause continued. “We encourage any and all venues and festivals across the city to consider our free workshops to help ensure a safe, fun experience for all your guests and staff.”

For more details on the #CalgaryGetsConsent project, visit www.CalgaryGetsConsent.ca to learn more about consent, free training workshops and to find links to helpful resources. Join the conversation on social media with the hashtag #CalgaryGetsConsent, or follow @yycgetsconsent on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.